Kharif Sowing Still Lagging

05-Sep-2026 12:08 PM

New Delhi. Despite the narrowing deficit in monsoon rainfall, the area under kharif crops continues to remain significantly behind last year’s level. The pace of sowing has also slowed down. Heavy rainfall in northern India and waterlogging in fields may create considerable difficulties for farmers in sowing various crops going forward. In any case, the sowing window for kharif crops is nearing its end. Flooding has been reported in some areas, raising concerns about possible crop damage. Rainfall is still continuing in several states. The weather department has forecast that monsoon rainfall in September is likely to remain below the normal average.

In areas that have received heavy rainfall during the current week and where rain is continuing, adequate moisture may remain available in the soil for the next 10-12 days. However, some problems are being faced in southern India. States such as Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala are experiencing some deficiency in monsoon rainfall. Some areas of Maharashtra have also received less rainfall, increasing farmers’ concerns.

As of September 4 this year, the total area under kharif crops stood at 1,086.30 lakh hectares, which is 1.6 percent lower than the 1,104 lakh hectares sown during the corresponding period last year. In particular, the area under paddy declined from 438.20 lakh hectares to 421.80 lakh hectares. On the other hand, the area under pulses increased from 115.30 lakh hectares to 117.10 lakh hectares. However, the area under coarse cereals declined from 182.50 lakh hectares to 181.40 lakh hectares, while the area under oilseeds fell from 193.10 lakh hectares to 191.90 lakh hectares. The area under cotton also slipped from 109.90 lakh hectares to 109.20 lakh hectares. Sugarcane has also been sown over a smaller area.